After waiting for 3 long years, finally something new and this time around, super-exciting. Shure just turned 88 years old on April 25, 2013. And what better way to celebrate 88 years of legendary performance than launching their new flagship in-ear headphones? The new Shure SE846 will feature 4 balanced drivers - 2 low freq, 1 mid freq, and 1 high freq drivers on a 3-way crossover configuration.

But you know what? That's not so exciting. The exciting part is that this marks a big American come back in research and development. The research that was put in this new flagship earphones and the development that was done assures that Shure's competition will not be able to catchup with new, revolutionary technology for at least a couple of years. That's how complex and thought over this project was. Scott Grinker, Sean Sullivan, Matt Engstrom and the team from Niles, Illinois made sure to create something truly revolutionary with the way the sound is delivered to the ear canal. Another complex part of this project is the manufacturing process and there is where the difficulty will be for their competitors to catch up on this new way of deliverance and manufacturing. I'm not even sure they will be able to ever do it in this same fashion as the processes and technology behind the SE846 hints some patents applications. The Shure SE846 will go on sale for $999.99 Just a cent short from a thousand bucks. But if you are like me and have the disposable income, this new experience is a must have. Shipments will start this late Summer. Earphone Solutions is taking preorders now. I will come back to this page to talk more about the technology behind the SE846 and the details on the manufacturing process which are quite intriguing. As soon as we know more. Official announcement was made in Asia (huge market for Shure) on May 9, 2013. In the meantime I can advance to you that Shure is extending the high-end clarity even more plus increasing bass performance as well.

A revolutionary low-pass filter that will act like a subwoofer. So much so that Shure has a pending patent on this new design.

You will now be able to adjust between 3 sound signatures via user serviceable nozzle - user changeable for different sound signatures. Yes! How cool is that? You can choose between warm sound, balanced sound or bright sound. If you are like me, I'll be bouncing between warm and balanced.

Shure states these will isolate up to 37 decibels of ambient noise. I know they have a study out that shows you can reach up to 44 dB with the Shure eartips depending on the frequency range but I understand Shure prefers to under promisse and over-deliver. That's how they roll. Now compare this sound isolation to Bose's mere 26 dB "cancellation? Cancellation means babies will continue to cry on airplanes and you will hear all of it. With Shure's passive noise isolation you can say goodbye to all that stressing noise in the cabin.The cables are removable and feature Shure's Wireform Fit which increases secure fit with comfort.

The housing is a crystal clear transparent earpiece that lets you see the laser-etched components inside and admire in awe Shure's precision engineering.

The Dual LF drivers produce deep accurate bass, and when combined with Shure's patented acoustic filter, these drivers are able to roll off at about 90Hz. The SE846 the first earphone in the market to employ the performance of a true subwoofer.

The MF driver is tailored to blend well with the LF and HF drivers, providing a smooth, clean presence while avoiding intermodulation distortion in the mid frequencies. The HF driver is customized for extra high end extension and low distortion.

Nozzle Insert: Once the HF and MF driver outputs combine, they are routed to the ear through the nozzle insert, which contains acoustic filtering to shape the high-mid frequencies.

Note: by changing the nozzle insert to one with a different filter, the alternate sound signature is achieved.

The Low frequencies are routed around the nozzle insert, keeping the low frequencies from blending with the high-mid frequencies. This helps to minimize cancellation and maintain clarity throughout the frequency spectrum.

User can remove the nozzle to clean, or replace nozzle insert to change the sound signature. The alternate nozzle inserts create a shift of about 2-5dB in the 1kHz-8kHz range. This allows the user to chose their preference in the detail/clarity range.

Hi. I'm Jude, with HeadFi.org, with a Head-Fi TV newsflash. This is our very first Head-Fi TV newsflash, but from now on, you'll be seeing these from us occasionally. Headphone news seems to be coming out much more frequently, and we want to cover it. Today, we're covering an announcement that Shure will be making very, very soon. They're releasing a new flagship universal-fit in-ear monitor. Shure fans will rejoice because I know they've been waiting years for this, and today's the day that it will be unveiled. It's called the Shure SE846, and I happen to have a prototype of it right here. I've had it for a few days, and it's absolutely fantastic. If you've been waiting for a new bargain basement-priced Shure, this ain't going to be it. This is priced at about $1m000. It's here to compete with the likes of the Sennheiser IE 800 and other flagships from AKG, AirAudio, Fit Ear, and other companies. It is definitely a flagship piece, and its performance, as far as I'm concerned, is definitely worthy of the price and the status. We're going to start first, because there's a lot of unique things about the Shure SE846 that we want to show you. Let's start by showing you some of the photos. Just looking at these photos, you'll see that there's a lot of unique stuff going on inside those earpieces. As veteran Head-Fiers know, there are big challenges in multi-driver designs. The big challenge, to put it simply, is to try to get all of these drivers to essentially act as one. That's difficult when you have frequency overlap with these drivers that introduces a whole host of problems that the engineers have to contend with. Shure has come up with some really cool innovation in a low-pass filter design, coupled to the low frequency drivers. It is very, very cool. What they've done, and you can probably see it in the photos and you're wondering what you're looking at. What you're seeing with the low-pass filter mechanism is 10 stainless steel plates precision-welded together to form high acoustic-mass pathway, that if you were to unwind that pathway, would be about four inches long. It serves, again, as a low-pass filter. Bass frequencies begin to roll off from the low frequency drivers at about 75 Hz. The idea is to tail off unwanted mids and highs from the low frequency drivers to make it perform as a real subwoofer. I believe Shure is calling it 'true subwoofer sound'. I got to tell you; mission accomplished. It's an absolutely strong, impactful, visceral bass response from these, even more so than I've heard from some very good dynamic headphone designs. It's very, very impressive. That is one unique innovation that Shure came up with, with the Shure SE846. To my ears, they've been very successful with this design because midrange clarity is absolutely fantastic. Yet again, bass is very visceral, but I don't feel like the mids are in any way harmed by that. I absolutely love it. Let's get back to the bass. The bass is north of neutral, again, it's very solid, very impactful. Actually, I don't find it too heavy. For the music I listen to, which is just about everything, I have had no issues with any genre in the bass presentation of the Shure. Again, it's very strong and visceral, and I love it. I don't find it too strong or too overwhelming, at all. Something else very cool that Shure designed into the SE846 is an interchangeable nozzle filter system that allows the user to choose from 3 different treble profiles. It comes installed with the neutral profile that has more neutral treble performance. You can also choose one that boosts treble a bit; I think it boosts it about nominally 2½ Db from 1 kHz to 8 kHz. Then there's one that goes in the opposite direction to reduce treble from neutral a bit, again, down about 2½ Db from 1 kHz to 8 kHz. It is a very well-implemented system. I don't feel at all, in changing that frequency, that I'm losing any coherence at all, but you are changing the tonal balance. I can already tell you, I am not going to use the one that reduces treble, but I'm so far, torn between neutral and the one that's a wee bit brighter. I've only had them for a few days, and I'm still playing with it, but it is awesome to be able to alter the treble performance. I have a feeling I'll probably just stick with one. Even if I don't, it is very easy to change the nozzle filters, in case you're worried that this is a complicated thing to do; it's not. Actually, we're going to show you how to do that right now. If you want to adjust treble on the Shure SE846, it's actually very easy and quick to do. You have to change those nozzle filters out. Here's how you do it: Start by removing the ear tip and you'll see a collar at the base of the nozzle. The SE846 comes with this tool to remove that collar, and you just line it up with the notches on the collar. Turn it counterclockwise to remove the collar, making sure not to lose these small parts. Do it somewhere where you will not lose these small parts. You see the collar came right off after I unscrewed it a little bit, and that leaves the nozzle in the body. That now comes right out. You'll see there's a black filter inside the nozzle. I'll pull it out so you can see it. There's a black filter in the nozzle now, and we're going to replace it with a blue one. In the production version of the SE 846, these will all be clearly color-coded. You'll know which filter you're messing with, when you actually get your production version SE846. In the prototype, the color-coding is not fully in place. We're going to put this blue filter in place of the black one we just took out. We place it in there, and you'll see right now, it's all the way seated in, which is how you want it to be. Make sure it's all the way seated in. That is not fully seated. That is fully seated. Just turn it until it drops. You'll also want to do the same thing with the nozzle when you put it back into the body. When you put the nozzle back into the body, again, turn it until you feel it lock into place, and then it drops; that's when you have it properly inserted. Put the collar over the nozzle, begin to turn it. Like anything else you're screwing in, make sure you don't cross-thread it. Once I've started it, I line the tool back up with the collar, turn it clockwise. There is the filter change; it's just that quick and easy. If I wasn't talking you through it, as you well know, it would be even faster. It's very easy to do. That's the Shure SE846, the new flagship universal-fit in-ear monitor from Shure. Again, it's going to be priced at about $1000. I think $999.99 will be the MSRP. As far as release date, I'm not clear on it yet. I think I have an idea, but once we have it firmed up, I will be sure to post it in the forums, and also in the comments following this video, but expect a summer 2013 release. That's the Shure SE846. Phenomenal piece, long-awaited piece from Shure. A new flagship, that's big news. Hope you enjoyed this Head-Fi TV newsflash, and look for more in the future.

This is my first legit IEM. I came from mostly over-ear headphones so when I was trying to get something on-the-go I was having hard time choosing between a closed-back headphone or an IEM. SE846 surprised me with its sound quality: good soundstage, clear high (but not aggressive), warm-mid and very efficient low. Initially I thought the sound was a little bit too warm and muddy for me but after hours of listening, it got more defined. Special thanks to the staff at earphonesolutions, who were not only helpful in the process of my decision making but also very fast in transaction. I am looking forward to next great earphones with them!

Rating

Nickname

John

Summary

Awesome in every way...

Location

Hickory NC

Posted on

8/30/2016

Recommended?

Yes

I have been a Shure fan for decades but was a little (all right a lot) hesitant to spend so much on earbuds. As a performing musician I've had many pairs of Shure as well as other brands but when I lost my SE 535s I decided to take the plunge as Shure has been so good to me over the years. All I can say is WOW! I loved the 535 but these things are beyond words! Clarity, smoothness, comfort, all 5 stars! I find myself turning down the volume because I can still hear details even at low volumes. Super smooth! Luv 'em!

Rating

Nickname

Brian

Summary

Finally, about as good as it gets...

Location

Northville, MI

Posted on

11/19/2015

Recommended?

Yes

After several years, and several pairs of IEM's, I truly feel as though I finally have the pair of IEM's I have always wanted in the SE846. Special acknowledgement must be given to Earphone Solutions, as they helped me immensely in deciding on my purchase, and the swift shipping made me know I made the right choice from the right company. Though the price of entry is not cheap, everything about these 'phones screams quality, from the included accessories, the build, to most of all, the sound!!! Right out of the box, these fit great and sound amazing. Using these on a daily basis at the gym, I know and feel they are up to the task. The SE846 are meant to be used and LIVED WITH. No museum pieces here, these are meant to be enjoyed anywhere and anytime! They feel and look both rugged AND elegant (I have the clear model). I found the selection of Westone ear tips I have purchased from Earphone Solutions work the best for me. If you are considering these, get them , you will be very happy! Thanks again, Earphone Solutions for the great service!

Rating

Nickname

Ben

Summary

Amazing sound. Housing is a bit big.

Location

Dallas, TX

Posted on

11/7/2015

Recommended?

Yes

These sound amazing. I am finding all sorts of new things in songs I thought I knew. The only thing that prevents a perfect review is that the housing is a bit large. It gets a little uncomfortable when I use them for long periods. I don't do that much at home, but I do on long flights.I'm keeping them for the sound. Hopefully my ears will get use to the size. Don't worry about the reviews saying you need high-end gear to drive these. They sound incredible with ALAC files on my iPhone 6s, and still impressive with 256 kbps AAC.

Rating

Nickname

Stefan

Summary

Eargasms all day every day with these.

Location

Cleveland, OH

Posted on

10/26/2015

Recommended?

Yes

Allow me to preface by saying that I don’t consider myself a hardcore audiophile, but I do live for experiencing all the nuances that come with listening to FLAC files. Before these, I used V-Moda’s Crossfade M-100s for my heavy-duty listening and when I DJ for free at events here and there as well as when producing my own music, both for my own enjoyment (nothing super serious, primarily a student here). With that being said, I'd probably describe myself more as an enthusiast rather than a hardcore audiophile. With all the amazing reviews I kept seeing for these over the past year or so, I couldn’t not pass these up for any longer. These come with the a very comprehensive list of accessories. Shure really didn't leave anything out when they put this package together, from the large plastic water-resistant case to a zippered traveling case to a plethora of eartips to the two additional filters that can be inserted in to the IEM's that change their sound. Over the last few weeks I’ve had them so far these seem to be very durable. I still worry about their plastic construction cracking if they were to fall or end up on the ground and get stepped on, but I plan to always be extremely careful with this and hope to avoid such problems (knock on wood). As far as isolation, the best I’ve ever tried. It’s just important to get a very good seal so play with the tips. However, a good seal is just as, if not more, important to get the best sound quality as possible out of these. The sub bass is incredible in these little IEM's. These take it to another level with the low frequencies it can go down to. The bass is there and not overwhelming and the highs are crisp and clear. I find the soundstage on these to be fairly wide. Overall, the sound on these is amazing. And with a low impedance of 9 ohms, they can easily be driven from mobile devices and get good volume without having to turn it all the way up: I rarely have the volume more than halfway up on my iPhone and a third of the way on my laptop. Finally, I get very limited to no noise from the cables moving around unlike you get with a lot of earphones out there, which is a must for such expensive buds. At the price they ask for these, I can't say that they are the best value but they are some seriously great sounding IEM's. Finally, I can’t say enough about Earphone Solutions and Flavio’s customer service. I don’t think I’d ever buy from any seller except from Flavio for future earphone purchases. Just absolutely amazing service. I have full confidence that if I ever encounter a problem with these that they will be there to do everything they can to help.

Rating

Nickname

Alfred

Summary

Clear Audio Candy

Location

Omaha

Posted on

10/23/2015

Recommended?

Yes

Wow... These are the standard by which many others will be judged. I have used Westone UM-2, Pro-20, Pro-30, Pro-50, W-60...The sure package delvers. I would say the Westone Pro-50 is a close second to these, with a slightly different, but smooth sound signature. Shure has clear highs and mids with BIG bass if you dare to go there. Also can get a fairly well balanced sound if that's your gig. I enjoy these units as an "in your face" audio assault. Brings the room and sound stage very close. Right from the presentation of the packing materials while opening the box, Shure sets themselves apart with this package. The individual ear buds are exquisite to look at as well as use. I opted for an unusual combination - a pair of Westone star tip silicone buds and a slightly modified Westone cable for the most comfort with these. Don't get me wrong, the cables from Shure are great, but I just happen to like a lighter feel on my ears. Overall a wonderful experience. These are an audio roller-coater and not a carousel... Enjoy the ride!

Rating

Nickname

Mikael

Summary

The chase is over

Location

Sweden

Posted on

12/12/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I have chased these IEMs for a long time now. Earphone Solutions could not deliver them due to the fact I have a Swedish address. I got my SE535 through them but not the SE846. Finally, and through other channels, they have arrived. Well, the chase is over. I have different IEMs for about $15,000, ranging from $100 to $700. (Yes, I am a geek, but sound matters for me). SE846 crushes the competition. I smiled for about 45 minutes at the first listening. I never dance, but I had to. I cried at the brutality these IEMs deliver. And forget iTunes, Spotify. You have to have 44Khz, unmodified, uncompressed music. You can turn the knob to 11 and they still deliver outstanding perfomance, separating channels and it is almost uncanny. If you should buy one pair of IEMs in your lifetime, this is what you should get. Yes, these are so good. Expensive, absolutely. But they are worth the money. The chase is over.

Rating

Nickname

DANIEL

Summary

In all respects, perfection.

Location

Holmdel,NJ

Posted on

11/26/2014

Recommended?

Yes

Let me start by saying I am an audio engineer with 25 years behind a mixing desk. I am not an audiophile. I had a pair of Westone W40's that I used for travel, exercise etc,,,I have an IEM in my ear at least an hour a day. I used them with my Android phone, Mp3's. My W40's were cutting out so I had to send them back. After almost a year with them I couldn't bear to not have a high end ear piece. So I figured, "let me get myself a new pair while these are out for repair" . After researching I ended up ordering the Shure Se535. Same price point as the westones (which were awesome, but somewhat lacking in spread). The 535's came and after a few days, they went! The stereo field and mid clarity of the 535's eats the W40's for dinner. I still had my W40's when the shure's arrived, the difference to me was huge. But, after 4 days I just couldn't take the low end (250 and below) on the 535's. Its there, but it is totally separated from the entire soundscape. Its hard to explain, but it was like the low just wandered all over the place never finding a home, and never quite satisfying you. It certainly didn't anchor the sound. I played around with eq non stop and just could not find a happy place. Well I read so much about the se846 and the amazing low end, 1,000 dollars for a IEM, ugh, but ok lets hear it. I would like to say this is why I will never buy from any seller except Flavio and earphone solutions. The service and support is outstanding!!!!!!!!! Had the Se846 the next day. First off to me there is absolutely NO relationship between the 535 and 846. The 846 is not an improved 535, it is a totally different beast. They sound nothing alike from bottom to top. To start, the bass on 846 is ridiculous, not because it overwhelms, it can if you want it to, but because it sits back there solid as a rock. 30 to 80 is insane. If you like kick drums, Rush, Tool, Pink Floyd, Dave Matthews Band, Muse, you will love these just for the fact that you can enjoy the kick like its on a pair of Genelecs with a sub. Beautiful depth. Deep base synths like Rush, "Time Stands Still" or Muse "Madness" are just a pleasure, the 535's hated stuff with occasional sub tones, they would just float the frequency, the 846 always connects the bass. The mid range is just gorgeous, it actually takes getting used to, frequencies around 500 that I would normally cut a touch, especially for rock guitar based stuff, I leave flat and man does it sound great. Yeah, the upper air band is not that present on the 846's but for what I listen to, to much of that makes guitars and crashy cymbals sound awful. If your solely a classical music listener I could see wanting an IEM that glorifies 16k and up a little more than these. The clarity and subtle separations is where honestly I am most pleased. I listened to a Dave Matthews full length yesterday, I bet I have heard it a few hundred times, I was chuckling through every song, little bells, violin trills, stuff I never new was there. Audio candy to its fullest. The best decision I have made in a long time. I should mention that I also changed over the Astell and Kern 100ii, as I received it as a gift (amazing!). Now I am an audiophile. Cheers!

Merchant Response:

Thank you Daniel!

Rating

Nickname

Herdick

Summary

BEST EARPHONES EVER!!!!

Location

Milford, CT

Posted on

10/9/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I recently purchase the SE846, even though I bought a pair of SE535 about nine months ago, but really wanted to get the SE846, just couldn't justify the price. Boy was I wrong, during a layover on vacation in May, I was able to try out a set of these. (Keeping in mind, just gotten off of a plane, listening to my SE535s for a couple of hours so I had a good baseline to compare.) After trying these puppies out, I could say for sure that there is a significant noticeable difference in the sound, specifically the bass. THE SE846's are worth every penny they charge for them. If they are in your price range, and you are torn between these and the SE535, don't hesitate one second thinking about justifying spending the extra cash, GET THE SE846 you will not regret it, like I did.

Rating

Nickname

Henk

Summary

Love the Shure SE846!

Location

Newport Beach, CA

Posted on

9/5/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I tried many different IEMs before deciding on these and could not be happier. One of the things of this earphone that immediately stood out along with the full bodied bass was the beautiful cymbal decay. The ability to distinguish and set the soundstage of each instrument is stunning. I am not an audiophile by any means but do play guitar and drums. As described by so many others, the bass is true subwoofer quality with a depth, tightness and a perfect presence the way it was intended by the artist. I am comparing this to the sound that I have experienced at many concerts. Spend some time with the different tips that are supplied to make sure you get the right fit which is so important. I run this straight out of iTouch at the gym, Andoid Phone with PowerAmp and BitHead Amp for travel and the AudioEngine D3 off the laptop. I moved up from the venerable SE530 which gave me many years of great service and that I still listen to from time to time.The SE846 is at a whole different level and are worth the money. If you can afford these, I highly recommend them! These are my third pair of headphones from Earphonesolutions and Flavio and team are top notch! They know their headphones and customer service is second to none! -Henk

Rating

Nickname

Tom Kordich

Summary

They are amazingly well balanced, very detailed, accurate and dynamic

Location

NY

Posted on

8/11/2014

Recommended?

Yes

To all Shure SE-846 owners, I commute to/from work with my SE-846's over 4 hours each day. I'm up and down multiple flights of subway stairs and I've been using these bad boys since April this year with the stock factory supplied cables. I must say they are flawless…Specifically, I've never had a single problem, never cut-out, they are really comfortable, and they stay firmly planted in my ears, not heavy or bulky and honestly really sound incredible!!! The better the source you feed them the better and better they get..

I've had the opportunity to have extended listening sessions with many of the top competitors who sell custom IEM's within and above the price range of the SE 846. The Shure SE-846 is my “top-pick” each and every time, hands-down, over and over again!!! They are amazingly well balanced, very detailed, accurate and dynamic without being colored or bloated. My portable rig includes the AK 240 serving a Cord Hugo.

I had purchased the Shure SE 535 just a short time prior and Flavio was absolutely excellent with helping me make the upgrade. Simply stated, he treated me like family. I really thank my friends at Earphone Solutions for helping me re-discover my passion for audio and hooking me up.

Rating

Nickname

Press Edmunds

Summary

The #1 best attribute of the earphones is the complete lack of listening fatigue!

Location

USA

Posted on

8/7/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I have so much enjoyed my Shure SE846 earphones over the last 4 months and thought it time to write you with some thoughts: The #1 best attribute of the earphones is the complete lack of listening fatigue! There is none!

I have been an avid audiophile for over 30 years and these are the most natural sounding earphones that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing! Bar none! While the low frequency reproduction is outstanding it is the seamless sound from the top of the frequency spectrum to the bottom that makes them such a joy to listen to!

I can not recommend them highly enough to anyone that wants the very best in miniature transducers! I just wish Cardas offered a wire option for these phones.

Thank you Earphone Solutions for supplying these Shure SE 846's!

All the best,

Pres Edmunds

Rating

Nickname

Brian

Summary

Great upgrade to the SE535!

Location

London, England

Posted on

6/10/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I have upgraded to the SE846's after using the SE535's for about 3-4 years. As the SE535's were great I had no hesitation in buying Shure again. These earphones are awesome, and a great upgrade, I would definitely recommend them. Great service from Earphone Solutions too. Just a note, if you are outside the US, don't ship them to a relative to get sent on to you, as you will get hit with a hefty customs invoice like I did!!

Rating

Nickname

Randy

Summary

Best I Have Ever Heard

Location

Alabama

Posted on

6/8/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I first auditioned the Shure SE 846's at an airport shop in Houston, just to kill some time between flights. But after spending about 15 minutes with them, I called Adriana and told her that I didn't think I could live without a pair. I have waited a few weeks since that purchase to submit this review, just to be sure love at first listen would be lasting. It has been. A little background: I have been a Westone guy for several years, since the UM2 was a new item. While I still enjoy listening now and then to some in my Westone collection, I have come to realize that the SE846 is in a completely different league from them all. The Westones are quality IEMs, and their sound is as refined as any you can buy, but, as hard as this is for me to say, compared with the SE846, they are close to boring. The entire Westone family might be described as smooth, competent, pleasing, laid back and "nice." But the SE846 is all those things, and in addition EXCITING. The bass is everything you have read about. I have never heard anything close in an IEM. The remarkable thing about the bass, though, is that while it is powerful and impressive, it is never dominant nor overpowering. It always remains balanced and complementary to the other registers despite its strength. Bass heads will not be satisfied, but those who prefer refined bass presence will. The mids and highs follow the traditional Shure sound signature. Both are much more forward than the Westones' mids and highs, which I think adds to the excitement of the SE846 sound. Some have described the highs as harsh or piercing. I don't find that to be the case at all. After all, a bow rubbed against a string is raspy by nature. I'm not sure how Shure did it, but there is absolutely NO "bleed" between the lows and the mids. Most earphones I have tried get a bit muddy at times at the crossover points, especially between the bass and mids. Not here. The transition at the crossovers is as isolated and clean as I have ever heard. As for fit, I have never found Shure to offer the comfort that Westone does. The SE846 is different. Although the shell is larger and heavier than any previous Shures or any of my Westones, it fits me as comfortably as any of the Westones. I can wear it for hours without any discomfort. Build quality seems top notch throughout, from the inner workings to the shell to the detachable cords. In summary, these are the absolute best earphones I have ever heard, by a huge margin. I said earlier that I still go back to the Westones at times, but I am finding that the reason I do is to validate once again that the difference between them and the SE846 is a pronounced as I think it to be.

Rating

Nickname

Caleb

Summary

Finally Found The Perfect Pair Of IEM's

Location

Columbus

Posted on

5/15/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I've spent the last several years trying to find a pair of earphones with the perfect sound, and these are them. Alot of IEM's have this or that (like these have excellent bass but the high's aren't quite right, or these have great vocals but If the bass was just a little bigger they would be perfect), however, these are the complete package. They are a substantial investment but let's see how they did. BUILD QUALITY: These headphones are built like an exotic car and showcased as such with a clear case showing the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail of the folks over at Shure. COMFORT: Each earphone is a little larger than the Westone's and previous Shure's, so if you have smaller ears, you may run in to problems however for me they fit PERFECTLY. Shure includes a large amount of different tips and sizes for you to find the perfect seal to experience this sonic marvel. SOUND: Soundstage: I loved my westone 4's for their huge soundstage. However, these are even better. It's as if I am sitting in the middle of a circle of people playing the music, each one delivered as precisely as if I was there in person. Absolutely no parts or instruments "bleed together". The seperation on each part of the music has to be heard, each part is distinguishably gorgeous and unique. The soundstage is the largest and also the most clear I have experienced from an IEM. Bass: Out of all the headphones I have owned these take the cake. It sounds undistinguishable from about a 15" high quality subwoofer. Most headphones have a certain aspect of the bass spectrum that they hit hard and the rest is a quiet whisper, but on these it is amazing. The bass is huge, and hits hard but it doesn't drown out anything at all, it is in it's perfectly right place and it extends down so low and so precise I wonder how they fit that big of a bass signature in a little IEM. There are no artifacts at all in the bass, and no distortion or over-pronounced unclear bass. This is the best bass I have heard from any earphone ever. Mids: Luscious, liquid and crisp. I loved my Shure SE535's for their breathtaking mids and somehow, Shure made them even better on the SE846. If you haven't owned a pair of Shure headphones, suffice it to say that you will not be disappointed. Vocals: These have been a bit of a weakness for IEM's. Noone can seem to replicate the human voice in an IEM until now. This is the closest thing I have heard to perfect voice in a pair of IEM's. I find that the SE846 with the bright tips gets the vocals perfect. Treble: Now this is area falls back just a tad. It's still head and shoulders over most of the competition. The high-end extension on these is legendary, but sometimes the high-end can get a little raspy and harsh. However, with the warm tips I found that never happens. All depends on your personal preference. What I Didn't Like: The Cables: They are too stiff. It takes a little getting used to and if you use glasses, the stock cables included will be a pain. Fortunately, these are detachable cables and you can buy another pair of cables for not that much of an investment to plug in so it is not a deal breaker. Verdict: If you are looking for perfect sound that is portable, this is it. $1,000 is a lot to pay for a headphone, but the performance and build on these is worth at least $1,000 if not a little more.

Merchant Response:

Thanks for the great review Caleb! Go Buckeyes!

Rating

Nickname

Laurent

Summary

Such a good choice!

Location

Arlington

Posted on

5/5/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I already own the Shure se535. I was a bit sceptical about the fact that the sound could be enhanced but I was in search of earphones with just a bit more bass which would provided a "rounder" sound. Not only do the Shure se846 have the bass I was looking for but surprisingly they do sound even more detailed than my Shure se535. I'm literally re-descovering my music with the same excitement I had when I got my Shure se535. That is definitely an improvement! It costs a lot of money but eveytime I'm listening to any music I have I feel rewarded for being able to surf on the different layers of any song track. Pros: Just the bass needed more details than shure se535 (yes it's still possible!) great sound isolating earphones Cons: Price Cable stiff around the ears

Rating

Nickname

Michael

Summary

As good if not better than expected.

Location

PA

Posted on

2/9/2014

Recommended?

Yes

It was a very hard decision for me to buying these since $1000 is a lot to spend on anything let alone headphones. I have owned the shire se535 and the other top model before that and was always amazed by them. The only problem I ever had was the lack of bass. The 846s are an improvement overall on the se535s. Went I first listened to them I just thought the bass was stronger and more present (not in a muddy way though) but then I went and listened to a few different songs back to back first on the se846 and then on the se535 and wow is there a difference. everything sounds more natural in the se846s. Cymbals and snare drums are crisp and clean sounding, you can hear the decay of the sounds. Acoustic instruments sound like they are being played in front of you. Overall I am happy with my purchase and have to watch myself when I put them in because sometimes I don't want to stop listening. Pros: Cons: Price

Rating

Nickname

Michael Pyles

Summary

Shure SE846

Location

Hawthorne, CA

Posted on

1/19/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I'm very pleased with the SE846 earphones. The bass is great and really does pack a punch. The SE846 has better clarity than the SE535. The only thing that I find a bit odd is that the SE535 has a better designed behind-the-ear cable. Not sure why Shure didn't use the same design for the SE846. Pros: bass, clarity of sound Cons: cable

Rating

Nickname

Matt

Summary

Best in-ears I've ever heard

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Posted on

1/15/2014

Recommended?

Yes

I was surprised to see such a, frankly, costly version of Shure's in-ear monitors. Many years ago when the 500 line came out, their cost was a shock, but their quality proved worth it. They've done the same with the 846s... there's definitely a big leap in quality, particularly in bass, between the 5s and the 8s. I'm not an audiophile, but I do appreciate music, and do like it to sound its best. It's true what other people have said, that you'll hear things in tracks you've heard a bunch of times that you haven't heard before. The only thing missing from bass reproduction is the ability to make the hair on your arms stand up from the vibration. Some people dislike the over-the-ear cabling, but if you're used to the 5s, it's the same thing. Takes a little while to conform to your head, but once done, they're comfy. Packaging has definitely come up a notch, and the included goodies. And as always, Earphone Solutions gives amazing service. Pros: Sound quality+++ Packaging Amount of extras included Comfort Cons: Wish it was a little cheaper, but I don't feel like I paid too much

Merchant Response:

Thank you for the kind words and for the great review.

Rating

Nickname

G2

Summary

These are great, as advertised

Location

Silicon Valley

Posted on

12/6/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I am not much of a reviewer but I do believe in having the best earphones on the market at any given time, and I was lucky enough to get a pre-order of these which I'm told was one of the first sets to be delivered in the US. Bottom line, they are unbelievable. They seal off ambient sound and immerse you into the audio space that you are connected to, whether that's a movie, or music, or even if it's nothing and you just want quiet on a flight. In fact I find they reduce more ambient noise than the Bose over-ear headphones, even when you just have them on and aren't listening to anything. The frequency response is well beyond my range of hearing but from the range that I do hear, the highs and lows are simply amazing. I've bought every top model from Shure for the last 5-6 years and these blow away all the others. Yes they are very expensive, but you get what they pay for and dollar for dollar you cannot buy better sound, comfort, and overall performance. Pros: Cons:

Rating

Nickname

Mats Lindegren

Summary

SE846

Location

Sweden

Posted on

11/22/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I finally got my earphone after waiting all summer and this was the best early Christmas gift I ever got. I have to re wrap them and ask my kids to give them to me again for Christmas. I am afraid that if I let them try them I will never get to use them again. When I compare to my Bose Quiet comfort or my Seinnheiser they are not even close to having the fantastic performance that Shure SE846 has. I tried all 3 different inserts and for me the white ones give the absolute best performance.I was a little hesitant to spend $1000 on earphones since I already had the Shure 315 but this was well worth the money to upgrade. From a very happy customer Pros: The performance is unparalleled The base is so good great fit and comfortable to wear Cons: The cost. Very expensive but great

Rating

Nickname

Phillip

Summary

Just That Good

Location

NYC

Posted on

11/22/2013

Recommended?

Yes

A fantastic product which lives up to expectations. Although, some people might have trouble with the fit (the 846 earphones are rather on the large side compared to the 535). Thankfully, I'm not one of them and am able to listen to them comfortably and without disturbance from the outside world for hours on end. Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing

Rating

Nickname

James

Summary

Shure did it again!

Location

Burien, Wa

Posted on

11/21/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I bought the Shure SE 535's when they first came out, and thought Shure couldn't surpass them, but these SE846's prove me wrong. I'm glad I was on the pre-order list. They sound just as good as my 3000 watt PA with two 18 inch subwoofers. I'm a drummer/multi-instrumentalist, and they really block out my real drum ambience a lot, so I can hear exactly what my microphones are hearing. Well worth the money IMO. Pros: Sound and clarity. Cons: None

Rating

Nickname

Michael

Summary

Sweet

Location

Bolton, MA

Posted on

11/21/2013

Recommended?

Yes

When I was notified that these were coming out and read the description, I thought "wow, very cool". I proceeded to pre-order. After a number of months they finally arrived. While I have the Shure 535s, I had taken a ling to the Westone 4Rs. they were light, great sound, etc. After I received the 846 earphones, put them on and plugged them into my amped iPad. Wow! I was really amazed at how much better they sounded than any of the phones I've had before. I was especially struck by the clarity; hearing nuances to songs I hadn't noticed before. I was very impressed with these and since, haven't even thought of using the other phones stuffed in my bag. Though these were significantly more expensive than previous purchases, I felt the price was justified. Very pleased!!! Pros: The packaging with all the accessories the listening experience is unparalleled (for me) Cons: None

Rating

Nickname

varun

Summary

Best of the best. Can't ask for more

Location

Dallas Texas

Posted on

11/21/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I love these headphones. They taught me what real sound should be like. True audiophile sound. Visceral bass and well balanced high's. I would recommend this product for my friend. Pros: Audiophile sound quality. Ture Bass response. Cons: Can't think of any.

Rating

Nickname

Sam

Summary

Worth every penny

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada

Posted on

11/20/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I was lucky enough to get these during the small window of opportunity that exists when Shure make a delivery and I have to say, they are the most amazing earphones I've had the pleasure of listening to. If you get the chance and can afford them, then I highly recommend the purchase. Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing

Rating

Nickname

Halfsquatch

Summary

Greatest Earphones Ever (so far)

Location

New York, NY

Posted on

11/9/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I have had Shure SCL5, the Westone 3, and the Shure SE535 over the years. They were all great. But the SE846 blows everything I have tried away. The sound stage is amazing, the clarity is second to none, and dynamic range has to be heard to be believed. These are simply the best earphones on the market, hands down. Pros: dynamic range wide sound stage accurate rich bass and crisp high end Cons: expensive

Rating

Nickname

mike schrader

Summary

se 846 got em

Location

lincoln ne.

Posted on

9/9/2013

Recommended?

Yes

Hi wrote this off the cuff,so here goes. I'm almost 60 years old just to let you know the se 846 are really nice hope you got a thousand bucks,If your used to paying top dollar for ear phones and in ear phones it won't be so bad. I like mine a . lot but if you can't just swing the cost a pair of Westone 4's are pretty dam close! in my opinion? Now why i shop at this co.because they listen to there products and shoot from the hip and they did not disappoint me this time earthier . If i were to say you get what you pay for i would have to say i don't always believe that but in this case i would say life only goes around once . Give em a try.Mike Pros: everthing Cons: My aging ears

Rating

Nickname

Mark

Summary

Best In-Ear Headphone yet

Location

Seattle, WA

Posted on

9/9/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I was lucky and got one of the pre-order offers which I jumped on. I have had a lot of in-ear headphones including the Shure SE535, Westone, etymotic among others. I am an audiophile with Wilson Audio Maxx 2 speakers and I am a critical listener. My first impressions were of a very solid foundation for the bass. The bass provides the rhythm and carries the music forward. Here, the SE846 was far superior to all other headphones. The bass was not one note, or exaggerated but was there as a floor. I heard and felt rocked by specific bass notes in music I was very familiar with. Now I can understand if you are 14 feet away from 800 lb speakers powered by 800W amps in a big space that you would feel bass. In this case it was coming in my head from these headphones. The second impression is how balanced the headphones are. My listening revealed that there were no hot spots, no exaggerated bass or treble, no one note reverb. The music was presented evenly across the spectrum. The highs were there and I heard things, little details, that I have not heard even on my home system. But, at the same time, it was not the highs that penetrates your head and causes you to stop listening. I think that is the theme of these for me. They are very balanced and I have listened to them for hours at a time. Finally, they have a great presentation in a special case with all the accessories. I know they are expensive but if you love music, if you are away from your home stereo (as I am often), and you want to listen and be carried away with music, try these. Pros: Very balanced sound across the spectrum Foundational bass that is not exaggerated Great imaging Vocals sound especially good Very nice box and presentation Cons: Nothing at this point.

Merchant Response:

Hi Mark! Thanks for the great review!

Rating

Nickname

Mike

Summary

A new bar has been set...

Location

NYC

Posted on

9/5/2013

Recommended?

Yes

Auditory orgasm... plain and simple. I own a pair of 535's and these blow them away. Pros: Adjustable treble options within the earbuds Weight / look / feel Music envelopes you... incredibly well-balanced and detailed for IEM's. I would complain about the price... but it's honestly worth every penny. Cons: Not a huge fan of the stock cables regarding comfort and potential reliability (see below) Hopefully won't have the same cable connection issue that I've had with the 535's - I think this is a universal issue on any of their new models with replaceable cables... eventually the connection begins to create static, then sporadic drop-off, and eventually no sound at all. But too early to judge on that one.

Rating

Nickname

George

Summary

As Advertised - awesome

Location

Bay Area, California

Posted on

9/5/2013

Recommended?

Yes

These are easily the best earphones I've ever had or tried and i have the next two levels down of Shure earphones as well. The sound is like you are right there and with a tight fit earplug it eliminates all ambient sound. Bass is incredible as is clarity and the full bandwidth. You feel immersed in whatever you are listening to whether songs or a movie. Although pricey I would recommend these strongly. Pros: Sound and ambient noise silencing are incredible, as advertised. It's like you are right there, live, at whatever you are listening to. Cons: A bit pricey and I personally never liked the "behind the ear" cord but once you get used to it and mold the cord to your ear, they are fine.

Rating

Nickname

Steve

Summary

Great IEM and great customer service

Location

Washington, DC

Posted on

8/26/2013

Recommended?

Yes

As an owner of the SE535 Special Editions then upgrading to the SE846 simply stated you get more clarity, soundstage and the sweetest midrange with a visceral bass that has to be heard to be believed. I did not know what I was missing until I heard the SE846 As for customer service, Flavio and Adriana at Earphone Solutions provided old school peerless customer service. Pros: Cons: Nothing

Merchant Response:

Thank you for the review, Steve!

Rating

Nickname

Ian

Summary

Subwoofer!

Location

KY

Posted on

8/12/2013

Recommended?

Yes

Initial out of the box impressions. The SE846 does not sound like any other balanced armature IEM I have listened to like the Westone 4, UE900 and Shure 535. The low pass filter really does seem to add very deep bass without drowning out the the mids or highs. Have not tried changing the acoustic filters apart from default blue neutral tip. The only problem so far was removing the installed foam tips as they seem almost glued on to the stainless steel nozzles. The manual suggests twisting and pulling to remove, yeah right. Pros: Cons:

Rating

Nickname

John

Summary

No buyers remorse here

Location

Los Angeles

Posted on

8/9/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I don't have the vocabulary to describe the sound the SE846 produces that Flavio has, but they do produce the best sound I've every heard. I happen to be one of the fortunate people who can comfortably listen to these with the triple flange tips for hours at a time. I ride the train to and from work so there is 1.5 hours of listening there, plus listened most of the day today and no fatigue. I can only say I heard things in song I've only ever had glimpses of with other headphones. I've had, Etymotics 4S, Shure PTH-500 and Seinnheiser Momentum, and these are way better at detail and imaging than any of them. Bass is deeper, mids are richer and highs are more vibrant. Its just the detail: cymbals take just a little longer to trail off, each strum and pluck sounds just a little different, more natural. I've heard vocalists take breaths before, but never to where their breath sounded more real than my own. If you can scrape together funds you won't be sorry..... Pros: Sound, replaceable cables, sound, clarity, extension, and of course, the SOUND! Cons: Took so long to get...had to wait 3 months....but now that I have them, NOTHING!

Merchant Response:

Thanks for the awesome review, John!

Rating

Nickname

David

Summary

SE846

Location

Torrance, CA

Posted on

8/9/2013

Recommended?

Yes

I received my pair just today and have been listening with it for about 2 hrs. I use the AK120 with FLAC music if possible. I have own some other earphones including the 535 and the Audeo. My primary interest is in Classical. As I started listening to it, I have to say I notice immediate differences in all aspects. More bass, tighter bass the high and mid range all seems to stand out but very balance. The earphone works well with the AK120 with plenty of volume. One problem I had is fitting the earphone into my ear. The left side did not fit in comfortably. The right side seems to be ok. I have to use two different ear bud to sit them in securely. This never happened to me before even with the 535. The way the earphone is constructed, seems to provide a very narrow angle that does not allow a good fit. I tried all different rotation and were not able to find one position that is completely satisfactory. I eventually found a position that is ok but still not completely satisfactory. Like to see whether others have the same finding. Pros: The sound. Cons: The fit.

Rating

Nickname

Steve

Summary

Noticeable improvement over 535

Location

NYC

Posted on

8/9/2013

Recommended?

Yes

Great spacious, detailed sound. No ABX, but really seems a step up and worth the differential over their previous flagship. Larger earpiece is snug, but comfortable. Only gripe is the excessive packaging. I understand it needs to be perceived as a premium product, but boxes within boxes within zippered case? At least it's not wood. Pros: Cons:

Unfortunately, as authorized dealers, we are not allowed to ship Shure products outside North America. We can ship it to a friend or relative of yours here in the USA and they in turn can ship it out to you.
We apologize for the inconvenience.

Q.

Hello,
I would like to buy this product. I will be in New York on a business trip from 13th of May to 6th of June. Would I get it before the 6th of June ? Before after I am back to China...and shipping to China is risky because I could pay huge custom fees.
Regards,
Michael

asked by Michael Amouyal

A.

Tech Support answered:

Dear Michael,
The SE846 should ship out in June but we do not have a hard date yet. You can place your pre-order now and you can add the dates you are staying in NY on the comments field of the order. We'll only ship out the product if it can be delivered within those days.
Unfortunately we are not allowed to ship Shure products outside North America.

Q.

I have some custom made ear pieces for 535's, will they fit these?

asked by Martin

A.

Tech Support answered:

Dear Martin,
They should because the nozzle sizes are the same. Just to be 100% positive, it's best if you contact Shure directly at 1-800-516-2525 to ask them. We have not received our demo unit yet :)

Q.

I am ready to order the SE846, my only worry is the very low input impedance of 9. Can an iphone 5 or amp with a 3.5-4 output impedance properly drive these earphones?

asked by Spook

A.

Tech Support answered:

Yes! We received our demo unit last week and we have been testing it with the iPhone 5 - no issues whatsoever :)

Q.

Does the SE846 have the same diameter nozzle as the other Shure Earphones? Also, is the connector the same as well. I ask because it took me forever to find the right fitting tips (Westone Star Tips) for my SE535 and I have two OCC silver cables (one balanced and one 3.5mm).

asked by Spook

A.

Tech Support answered:

Yes, same nozzle size and same connector :)

Q.

I use all my earphones for activities,
Hiking, Muay Thai, Gym

So my main concern is, how well will this be with getting wet ?
I sweat a lot during my activities

asked by Kyu

A.

Tech Support answered:

Kyu,

We have briefly tested the SE846 for sound only. We have not had the chance to test it during extreme activities/circumstances. Our take is that it should be able to withstand moisture like all the other Shure models.

Q.

Great to hear you think these are so amazing. I preordered back in May...have you any updated info about expected delivery dates?

asked by John

A.

Tech Support answered:

Dear John,
Shure's estimate for the release is still mid-August; no hard dates yet.

Q.

How is the size of the SE846 compared to the size of the SE425 and SE215? From the pictures I can tell it seems "similar" to the shape and size of the SE215. And how does the comfort of the SE846 feel versus these other two?

Thank you in advance.

asked by Paul

A.

Tech Support answered:

The SE846 offers the same contoured shape however, it is slightly bigger than the SE535. They are still very comfortable but the fit is not 100% flush.

Q.

Is the body the same as the SE535's? It looks similar and I'm hoping my custom ear inserts from the 535's will work.

asked by Matt

A.

Tech Support answered:

They offer the same contoured shape however they have more "volume" than the SE535; they are rounder so they will not be as flush as the SE535.

Q.

I have custom ear pieces for the se535's would they fit on the se846's?

asked by Mike

A.

Tech Support answered:

Most likely yes because they share the same nozzle size however, we would like to ask that you call Shure at 1-800-516-2525 to be absolutely sure :)

Q.

How is the cable quality?

asked by Bill

A.

Tech Support answered:

Same quality of the stock cables that come with the other SE models. The SE846 comes with 2 sets of cables; one is 64" and the other is 46" long.

Q.

At the time of the announcement of the introduction of the SE846, i was considering an upgrade from my SE215's to the SE535's. I am an avid Shure IEM user, having worn out two sets of E2c's before purchasing the SE215's. I normally listen directly from my iPod Touch 4G, but occasionally use a JDS Labs C5 or Fiio E11 amp. Portability is important to me as I travel frequently, hence limited use of the amps. I need the amps with some of my full size cans, but do not find that the sound produced by the SE215's requires much tinkering. The upgrade to the SE535's is quite a jump in price for me. So, here is my question. Should I go for the SE535, or will I be better served by waiting until I have the scratch for the SE846? you guys have me either way, but I won't be getting both of them...of that I am certain. Thanks!

asked by Jack Troxell

A.

Tech Support answered:

Dear Jack,

That is a tough one to answer! Both are phenomenal iems within their category/price range. Our take is that you would be a happy customer either way. That is the one thing we tell our customers: you can have excellent sound without breaking the bank ;-) The SE846 is like nothing we've heard before but we understand this is not exactly affordable.

Q.

Can I use reward codes with this item?

asked by Bryce

A.

Tech Support answered:

Yes :)

Q.

I would like to know actual size of this unit compared to westone 2 if possible. If not, compare to quarter.

asked by Kang

A.

Tech Support answered:

The SE846 is slightly bigger than the other Shure models. Since the Westone 2 was smaller than the regular models, you could say that the difference is somewhat substantial. Unfortunately we are unable to quantify it in numbers. It is not uncomfortable but it is definitely a little bit bigger than W3, W4 or SE535 for instance.

Q.

Does the cable make a big difference (clearly yes)... let me ask it differently.... have you tried the earphones with the "silver cable" they come with and the "black" one Shure sells with the built in Mike to be used with cel phones ?

asked by Hiram

A.

Tech Support answered:

The SE846 does not come with the iPhone cable; it only comes with the original clear cables. The cables with mic/controls does not alter the SE846 performance. Having said that, the quality of the stock audio cables is quite superior to that of the iPhone cable.

Q.

I live in California. Would you charge California sales tax for a purchase?

asked by Francis

A.

Tech Support answered:

We only collect sales tax on shipments going to Florida.

Q.

Are there any cables that are compatible with the SE846 that have the iPhone controller built in?

I have small ears and am concerned about the reviews that say they are larger and/or hard to get a good fit. I've had problems with Shure earphones in the past, but it's been so long, I cannot recall the specific reason. I've purchased a bunch from you and maybe you could look at my past purchases to give me a comparison in size. I've loved the Westones and Audeos - both the best you could buy at the time. Please advise. Thanks.

asked by John Sheffer

A.

Tech Support answered:

Dear Paul,

The SE846 is larger/bigger than the SE535. It is hard to quantify but the SE846 "fills up" the ear more and they are more round. Based on your previous purchases, it would be interesting to wait for the W60 http://www.earphonesolutions.com/westone-w60.html
We have not heard it yet so we cannot compare it to the SE846 but it will be a 6 driver earphone so we are anticipating a very rich and detailed sound signature.

Q.

Using the Westone foam earpiece, how well is the noise cancellation from the outside?

asked by Fred Estrella

A.

Tech Support answered:

Noise isolation is directly related to the "seal". If you achieve a good seal, then you will have full sound (not "tiny"). Most customers prefer the foam sleeves (because they "expand" and fill up any empty spaces between your ear canal wall and the earphone's nozzle), but it is a personal preference.
Some customers even use different sizes in each ear and different materials (foam in one, silicone on the other).
It doesn't matter which sleeve you use, just as long as that one is doing the job for you.